Neillsville City Council Discusses Eagle Scout Project and More

Thursday, June 24th, 2021 -- 11:01 AM

The Neillsville City Council discussed an Eagle Scout Project at their meeting.

City Clerk Rex Roehl presented the Kolin Schmitz Eagle Scout Project donations in the amount of $1,750 for the Cemetery landscaping project, which the council approved.

Mayor Diane Murphy also presented an agreement between the City of Neillsville and West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission for the Development of Tax Incremental Financing District #4.

City Clerk Roehl stated the Agreement outlines the project scope and responsibilities and time schedules with a cost not to exceed $7,000. Council Member Dan Clough asked about additional costs.

City Clerk Roehl stated there would be costs for filing the application with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, public hearing notices, etc. The additional expenses and WCWRPC fee would be reimbursable from the TIF District once the State approval is received.

The council approved the agreement. Mayor Murphy presented a request to close West Street from W. Fourth Street to W. Sixth Street for the 2021 Heritage Days event, which the council approved. Mayor Murphy also presented a request to close the parking lot on West Street from Tuesday, July 6th to Tuesday, July 13th for the Heritage Days 2021 event including tent set up through take down, which the Council also approved.

The Council also heard the Committee Reports. Council Member Joe Neville reported on the June 10th meeting of the Heritage Days Committee regarding discussion on event security, discussion on golf outing sponsors, discussion on games and prizes, pottery, trailers, ice cream and Miss Neillsville, and update on the Parade.

Council Member Dave Harnisch presented the June 16th meeting of the Historic Preservation Committee regarding discussion on the preliminary nominations of the “Merchants Motel” property, 105 W. Seventh Street, to the local Historic Register, discussion on the 2021 Action Plan, reviewed the City Comprehensive Plan-Historic Preservation updates draft version, discussion on funds, discussion on and approval of the Historic Property Improvement Grant in the amount of $363.45 for window replacement, 218 Clay Street, Chris and Nicole Keller, owners, and discussion on needed repairs at the Clark County Jail Museum and an upcoming June meeting with the Clark County Property Committee to discuss options.

Council Member Neville reported on the June 22nd meeting of the Neillsville Community Fire Hall Board regarding Election of Officers with Harold Eddy as Chair, Wayne Wegner as Vice-Chair, Jose Neville as Secretary, and Rex R. Roehl as Treasurer, payment of bills, current activities-replacing lights, lawn mowing and cleaning up brush along the northside of the building, appointed building committee and insurance committee members, and approved insurance reviewed without terrorism amendment.

Finally, Council Member Clough reported on the June 22nd meeting of Commission on Public Works/Utilities regarding current activities, discussion on fences, and payment of bills.

In other announcements, City Attorney Wachsmuth reported that a §1983 federal case has been filed against Chief of Police James Mankowski by Patrick Fehlman. The City’s insurance company has been contacted and an answer to the complaint will be filed within the 21 days required.

City Clerk Roehl reported that the other Part-time Assistant Clerk-Treasurer position is being re-advertised. Also, a citizen stated that he is here to raise personnel issues.

After the May 3rd Police and Fire Commission meeting the issues of Police Officers salaries and the City’s 15-mile residency requirement were discussed, these issues were reported at the May 11th Common Council meeting, but he has seen no mention or discussion on this matter by the City.

The Police Department is down by one full-time officer and one part-time officer, if this continues, we won’t have a department. The City Council is spending half million dollars on a new building, but doesn’t want to compensate its workers.

City Attorney Wachsmuth responded to the citizen’s statements, stating that the City cannot make changes without re-negotiating the Police Union contract. The citizen stated no union would refuse a wage increase.

City Attorney Wachsmuth stated that negotiations are a give and take, the Council can’t make a decision without negotiations, the City just signed a two-year contract and she has not contacted the union.

Council Member Julie Counsell asked, "is nothing happening, is it a dead issue?" The citizen stated he brought this up, as there is a problem getting people to apply for the vacant police department positions.

Finally, another citizen said she agreed with the first, the police officers should be paid what they are worth and they should get equipment. She is also aware of a fence situation where the fences are so close, you can’t fit between to maintain the grass properly.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.